What should I do before I file a fee dispute?

Before you file a fee dispute, you should try to resolve the fee
dispute directly with the lawyer. The lawyer has likely performed
work of which you were unaware. For example, the lawyer may have
investigated the facts of the case, researched the law of the case,
and drafted various documents related to the case. In the event you
are unable to speak with the lawyer, you should make a written
request to the lawyer in which you ask him or her to provide a
written report of work performed on the case. Your request should
include a deadline by which the lawyer should respond - usually
within week or ten days of the date the lawyer received the
request. Send your request by certified mail, return receipt
requested or by other means that will demonstrate the date and time
the lawyer actually received the request (federal express and UPS
offer such a service, for example).